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Pasco County, Florida: Take A Three-Day Culinary Tour

It’s true in real estate and it’s true in the culinary world: Location makes all the difference.

Pasco County’s eastern area extends into the rich farmlands of Central Florida, helping locally grown fresh produce find its way to restaurant tables near the Nature Coast daily. The western part of the county is seated along the Gulf of Mexico, making fresh catch-of-the-day seafood readily available.

Combine those factors and you’ll find what makes Pasco County such a delectable discovery – a laid-back locale with sophisticated tastes and the resources to surprise and delight. Take a three-day culinary tour to determine what makes this area the gem that it is.

Day 1: Fresh Catch

Get Hooked Grill in Hudson is a regional favorite, because it operates its own fishing fleet and partners with others daily to provide its customers with the freshest seafood.

Grouper, hogfish, snapper, mahi-mahi, shrimp, oysters and clams, along with staples such as barbecued pork, chicken and hamburgers, ensure that customers will have plenty to choose from.

With its new location near a marina, live music in the Tiki Bar throughout weekends and fresh local seafood on the menu, the Get Hooked Grill lives up to its name.

Sample the fresh catch from the Gulf of Mexico in many Pasco County restaurants.

Nestled in a shopping center in Trinity, the Escape Brewing Company crafts fresh, small-batch ales in its onsite brewery. Started by brothers-in-law, Escape currently features more than 18 different brews with the tap room open Wednesdays through Sundays. Fill your 64-ounce growler with your favorite Escape Ale.

Big Storm Brewing Company, a few miles to the east in Odessa, is making waves with a gold medal win at the 2015 Florida Beer Championships; it also medaled for an IPA, a porter and an ale. In addition to its partnerships with area restaurants, its tap room and brewery are open daily and it hosts and participates in many diverse events. Big Storm promises there’s even more on the horizon.

Big Storm Brewery in Odessa has become a staple of the Florida craft beer revolution.

In Dade City, in a 100-year-old building originally designed for Model T sales by the Ford Motor Company, Kafe Kokopelli creates an inviting ambience with its eclectic flair, modern menu and contemporary touches.

Long a staple of downtown dining, Kafe Kokopelli is known for using the freshest local ingredients in its seasonally changing menus, artful presentations and, most importantly, exceptional flavors. The Fried Green Tomato Napoleon with goat cheese and kumquat jelly is a local favorite appetizer.

A local institution, Kafe Kokopelli serves up artful menu items inspired by seasonal offerings from nearby farms and the Gulf of Mexico.